An expansion of the Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) program means more children in Wellington and Dufferin Counties will be able to get free urgent dental care.
The CINOT program provides services and treatment for children whose parents or caregivers have no dental coverage and cannot afford the cost of urgent dental care. Now, eligible youth aged 17 and under can take advantage of the program. Previously, services were available only to children to age 13.
“The expansion of the CINOT program addresses an important need in our community,” said Dr. Robert Hawkins, dental health program manager at WDG Public Health. “Aside from the pain they may experience, youth in need of dental care but unable to afford the cost of treatment are often self conscious about their teeth – and these are permanent adult teeth. The CINOT program provides the care these kids need to improve their dental health and improve their self-esteem.”
Urgent dental care includes tooth or mouth pain, infection, large cavities, bleeding gums, and mouth injuries. The CINOT program can provide fillings, x-rays, teeth removal, and some root canal treatments.
For more information about the CINOT program and other dental services, call WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 or visit www.wdghu.org.
